2 gregarious coaches reconnect on the sideline

Pete D'Alessandro, center, discusses his hiring as the new general manager of the Sacramento Kings basketball team, by the teams new owner, Vivek Ranadive, right, at a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Monday June 17, 2013. D'Alessandro, who spent the past three seasons with the Denver Nuggets, replaces Geoff Petrie, who had been notified that he would not retained after his contract expired June 30. At left is Kings head coach Michael Malone.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) less

Pete D'Alessandro, center, discusses his hiring as the new general manager of the Sacramento Kings basketball team, by the teams new owner, Vivek Ranadive, right, at a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., ... more

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, Associated Press

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FILE - in this Feb. 19, 2013, file photo, Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson argues with a referee during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Warriors picked up the option on Jackson's contract for the 2014-15 season on Wednesday, July 10, 2013. While both sides could still work out a long-term extension this summer, exercising the option at least ensures Jackson won't enter the upcoming season with an expiring contract. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) less

FILE - in this Feb. 19, 2013, file photo, Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson argues with a referee during an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Warriors picked up the option ... more

In this image from video, Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant, left, introduces guard Jarrett Jack, center, and forward Earl Clark to reporters in Independence, Ohio, on Friday morning, July 12, ... more

Photo: Lynn Ischay, Associated Press

2 gregarious coaches reconnect on the sideline

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LAS VEGAS - Mark Jackson and Michael Malone had just seen each other Saturday, but when they reconnected before their teams' meeting in the Summer League on Monday, they embraced like long-lost brothers.

"People say we hate each other, so we're just playing it up for the cameras," Jackson joked.

"Yeah, I see the knife wounds in your back from all of those negative stories I planted," quipped Malone.

Since Malone left his post as Jackson's lead assistant on the Warriors' staff last month to become the head coach in Sacramento, there have been some reports suggesting a beef between the two.

Even before that, there existed a perception that Malone was the mastermind of the Warriors' X's and O's, and Jackson was merely a sermon-giving motivator and pom-pom-toting cheerleader.

"I feel awful, because those stories were not the truth, and they belittled him, which is what I felt the worst about," Malone said. "I've learned a lot from him the past two years as a man and as a coach. He's been a tremendous influence on me, and I don't think he's gotten the credit he's deserved from anybody."

Malone often directed the defensive drills at the Warriors' shootarounds, which led to his being credited with the team's drastic improvement on that end of the court. Because he drew up the plays during timeouts, he often was credited with being the brains of the sharp-shooting operation.

Malone said he did not draw up a play that Jackson didn't choose. During a stoppage, the coaches huddled before meeting the players on the bench. Jackson would listen to the assistants' ideas, tell Malone which play to draw for the ensuing inbounds and then address the team - often with a stirring speech.

"He didn't get the credit he deserved from fans, the media or other coaches in the NBA, but everybody in our locker room knew that he was the guy running that team and that he was our leader," Malone said. "He should be getting a multiyear extension from this team. It's what he deserves.

"He did everything he said he'd do from day one. He changed the culture, he turned them into a defensive team and they're winning. I don't know what more they want, but they better hope that he doesn't come out some night with a top hat and cape and go David Copperfield and go 'poof.' "

Instead of giving Jackson a multiyear extension this offseason, the Warriors chose to pick up his option for the 2014-15 season. The coach simply said, "It'll all work out."

At one point last season, Malone did ask Jackson if he wanted to start drawing up the plays. Jackson merely laughed off the suggestion.

"It doesn't matter to me," he said. "It's a nonissue. It's probably not even worth commenting. It's comical to me."

Malone said, "It speaks to him avoiding getting caught up in all of the noise and being very comfortable and confident in who he is."

Jackson does beam with pride when he hears Malone talk about his new job in Sacramento. When Malone preaches about changing the culture, having personal relationships with his players and demanding discipline on defense, it sounds just like Jackson.

The two have known each other since Malone's father was trying to recruit Jackson from Bishop Loughlin High-Brooklyn to Syracuse. Malone's first NBA gig was as an assistant with the New York Knicks - a team directed by Jackson at point guard.

During their 30-minute pregame chat, Jackson and Malone hugged, slapped fives and playfully punched each other in the shoulders. They shared stories about their families, talked basketball and laughed - a lot.

When the first of what could be many games between their squads was about to tip off, Malone said, "I don't have time for you, anymore."

Jackson responded, "I'll have my people call your people."

The game: With Monday's 80-66 victory over Sacramento, the Warriors have won 10 straight Summer League games. Draymond Green and Kent Bazemore combined for 33 points.